An epidemiological analysis of hospital admissions for inguinal hernia in the brazilian state Maranhão from 2015 to 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Inguinal hernia (IH) is a process of displacement of the abdominal wall, through dysfunctional muscle tone, which allows organs to move from the abdominal space and protrude into the inguinal region. The diagnosis of this pathology and its symptoms may manifest late, as a bulge in the inguinal region and associated pain, which contribute to a better diagnosis of the patient and treatment by surgery and medication. Methodology: This is a retrospective study with a descriptive and quantitative approach to data on hospitalizations for inguinal hernia, in which data were collected from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), made available by the platform of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), between 2015 and 2024. The variables analyzed were: cases per health region (CIR), hospitalizations per year, age group, gender, color/race, annual expenditure, type of care, and days of hospitalization. Results: During the period, in Maranhão, 59,619 hospitalizations due to HI were recorded, with a total expenditure of n=R$35,056,212.24 between 2015-2024, with 2023 and 2024 being the years with the highest number of hospitalizations, totaling 15,528 (25.6%). In the state, the age group between 60 and 69 years predominated, with 9,692 notifications (16.25% in the period). The mixed-race group was the most notable, with 36,651 hospitalizations confirmed (61.47%). In addition, males were the most affected in the state, accounting for 78.64% of hospitalizations. Elective cases also predominated, accounting for 62% of hospitalizations during the period, with an average stay of 2.2 days in a hospital setting. Conclusion: It is important to emphasize the importance of paying attention not only to heredity but also to lifestyle, revealing the need for strategic action and scientific relevance in combating the disease.